The New York Mets are making a big move to bolster their pitching staff. They’re calling up top prospect Brandon Sproat for his long-awaited MLB debut this Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.
Sproat, a 24-year-old right-hander once dubbed the club’s number one pitching prospect, has had an up-and-down year in the minors. Still, a strong late-season surge finally earned him the call.
With the Mets in a tight race for the National League’s last wild-card spot, and veteran Kodai Senga struggling, Sproat’s debut could prove pivotal. The team’s push for October baseball just got a lot more interesting.
From Rocky Start to Major League Opportunity
Sproat started the 2024 season with big expectations. His early performance in Triple-A, though, was anything but dominant.
Through May 20, the Florida native had a rough 6.69 ERA across nine starts. Some folks started to wonder if he was really ready for the big leagues this year.
Other Rising Prospects in the Mets System
While Sproat struggled, right-handers Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong made serious impressions. McLean stormed through his first four starts, going undefeated with a stingy 1.37 ERA.
Tong dazzled in his debut with five innings of one-run ball last Friday. Their quick rise seemed to push Sproat down the pecking order, at least for a while.
The Turning Point in Sproat’s Season
Things started to change for Sproat in late May. He pieced together a 17-outing stretch with a much-improved 3.19 ERA.
In his past 16 starts—excluding a rough relief appearance on August 24—he’s posted a superb 2.78 ERA. The numbers tell the story: he’s found his groove.
Dominant in His Latest Outing
Sproat capped his late-season rise with a stellar performance in his most recent start. He threw seven shutout innings, struck out nine, and walked just two.
That kind of commanding effort is exactly what convinced the Mets’ coaching staff he was ready. September games don’t get much more meaningful than this.
Why the Mets Are Turning to Sproat Now
The decision to promote Sproat isn’t just about rewarding his turnaround. It’s also about necessity.
Veteran pitcher Kodai Senga, a key part of the Mets rotation, has been in a prolonged slump. Since June 6, Senga hasn’t completed six innings in any start and owns a 6.56 ERA over his past eight outings.
Critical Timing in the Playoff Hunt
The Mets are locked in a battle with the Cincinnati Reds and a few other contenders for the last NL wild-card berth. Every game feels huge right now.
Sproat’s debut will come in the series finale against Cincinnati—a chance for New York to gain a direct edge in the standings. No pressure, right?
What Mets Fans Can Expect on Sunday
Sproat will take the mound with a full week of rest. That should help him bring maximum velocity and some extra bite on his breaking pitches.
There’s always uncertainty with rookies, but his recent form suggests he could be a difference-maker. The Mets will definitely monitor his pitch count closely and hope his fresh arm can shut down a dangerous Reds lineup.
Keys to Sproat’s Success in His Debut
To succeed on Sunday, Sproat should:
- Establish his fastball early and get ahead in counts.
- Mix in his breaking pitches to keep Reds hitters guessing.
- Stay composed in high-leverage situations, especially with playoff stakes on the line.
Looking Ahead
If Sproat thrives in his debut, the Mets might give him more starts down the stretch. That would turn into a pretty big storyline heading into the postseason.
Right now, all eyes are on Sunday’s high-stakes showdown. This could be the start of a promising MLB career.
Brandon Sproat has spent months grinding through the ups and downs of a Triple-A season. Now, he’s finally getting his shot under the bright lights of New York.
For the Mets, it’s more than just another rookie debut. It feels like a calculated gamble, and honestly, it could pay off big in their chase for playoff baseball.
Here is the source article for this story: Source: Mets prospect Sproat to start Sunday
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